Last month, the Experimental Aircraft Association presented U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with the Freedom of Flight Award for his contributions to aviation throughout his tenure.

The group noted that Inhofe has continuously advocated for the general aviation community during his 36 years in Congress, and his service “closely mirrored the integrity, entrepreneurship and innovativeness of EAA members.”

“EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award recognizes contributions to EAA and aviation that protect and preserve our unique opportunities to fly,” said Jack J. Pelton, CEO and chairman of the Board for the EAA, during the award presentation.

“Over the past 30-plus years, general aviation has had no greater advocate in Congress than Jim Inhofe. He embodies everything that the Freedom of Flight Award represents.

“He has been nothing short of our biggest and sometimes only advocate we have. He’s always attentive and cares, but the thing that’s most important to me is that he always gets things across the finish line. Senator Inhofe, on behalf of all of us at EAA, thank you very much.”

“I am truly humbled to receive EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award from Jack Pelton,” Inhofe said.

“EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is a unique experience, and one that I have enjoyed for 43 years.

“Each year, I hear directly from pilots and it has been an honor to have made their priorities my own during my time in Congress.

“Working together, we have accomplished much throughout the years, ensuring the general aviation community has prospered and will be ready for the next generation of general aviation pilots.

“While it is hard to believe that this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is my last while serving in Congress, I am looking forward to returning next year and continuing to be a voice for pilots.”

During his time in the Senate, Sen. Inhofe has led the effort on countless aviation victories: ensuring Bob Hoover could return to flying; passing the original Pilot’s Bill of Rights; securing BasicMed privileges for thousands of pilots by reforming the third-class medical process; expanding liability protections under the Volunteer Protection Act to include volunteer pilots, and bolstering the future of the aviation workforce.

Inhofe has served in the U.S. Senate representing Oklahoma since 1994.

An avid pilot with over 11,000 flight hours, Inhofe became the first member of Congress to fly an airplane around the world when he recreated Wiley Post’s legendary trip around the globe.

Prior to serving the people of Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate, Inhofe served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Oklahoma House and Senate and as Mayor of Tulsa.